3X3 Leaders Break Taboos - The Story of Ema Đorđević
More than half of young people in the Netherlands experience mental health issues at some point. Think about stress, performance pressure, loneliness, or financial worries that cause mental strain. This also applies to the young people who play 3X3 on our courts. You might even recognize yourself in this.
Within our own community, there are also young people dealing with mental health issues. One of the 3X3 Leaders who shares her story with us is Ema Đorđević. Ema has overcome an eating disorder and talks about what this experience was like for her.
Ema is so brave to share her story because she wants to bring the subject out of anonymity, let others know that they are not alone, and that there is a way out when you’re struggling with mental health issues. We invite you to watch her story with care.
Do you recognize yourself in Ema's story?
Research shows that more than 200,000 people in the Netherlands have dealt with an eating disorder. There are several types of eating disorders that they struggle with. The most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.
How do you recognize an eating disorder in yourself?
- You worry a lot and are very critical about your weight and body.
- You closely monitor what you eat, which may mean you eat very little or, depending on the type of eating disorder, you overeat.
- After eating, you try to compensate. For example, by exercising, fasting, vomiting, or using laxatives.
- You prefer not to meet with friends or family in situations where food is involved.
- How you feel: you may feel ashamed of your eating habits, your weight, or your body; you might feel guilty, anxious, and sometimes even depressed.
How can you recognize an eating disorder in someone else?
The person in question may:
- Experience mood swings.
- Be very tired, dizzy, or even faint at times.
- Frequently need to use the bathroom.
- Be dishonest about how much they've eaten or about their weight.
- Break out in sweats at unusual times.
- Lose or gain weight drastically.
What can you do if you think you have an eating disorder?
An eating disorder can seriously endanger your health. That’s why it’s important to seek help. You can seek help from the following people:
- Start with having a conversation with people closest to you.
- Reach out to a mental health specialist.
- Contact a dietitian who can help you create a suitable nutrition plan.
Know that it’s always okay to seek help.
Remember: you are not alone!
What can you do if you suspect someone in your life has an eating disorder?
- Express your concerns to this person and listen to them without immediately offering opinions or advice.
- Let this person know how important they are to you.
- Keep inviting this person to do fun things.
- Encourage this person to seek help from specialists. They are best equipped to help them recover.
Do you recognize yourself or someone else in Ema's story or the other examples? Know that you can also turn to us for help. Want to learn more? Visit our Minds of Unites page on our site for more information or to find various help lines.